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BBC Death Valley viewers 'switch off' minutes into new series
Reach Daily Express | May 18, 2026 6:39 AM CST

Death Valley viewers have delivered their verdict on the new series.

The crime mystery series, starring Timothy Spall and Gwyneth Keyworth, returned after the first installment aired last year.

The eccentric drama follows the unlikely crime-solving duo, John Chapel (Timothy Spall), a retired actor and star of a detective series, and DS Janie Mallowan (Gwyneth Keyworth).

The cast also includes Gavin and Stacey stars Steffan Rhodri and Melanie Walters, as well as Alexandria Riley and Jim Howick.

The synopsis for the new series teases: "Janie has been newly promoted to Detective Inspector and is busier than ever, with paperwork stacking up quicker than she can clear it. To make matters worse, she's been ignoring John since finding out he's been dating her mum.

"Janie's hand is forced after a murder in a Community Payback group when DCI Barry Clarke forces her to bring John Chapel in as the department's consultant.

"Series two sees John reluctantly re-enter the world of acting, on the set of an epic Welsh fantasy TV series, when the pair are called to investigate a murder.

"Will this foray into his old thespian passion ignite something once forgotten in John? One thing is certain, whether investigating a murder in a coastal fishing village, a sustainable commune or the competitive world of rugby, John and Janie will continue to bring justice to the mid-Wales region."

Despite the first series of Death Valley breaking records, with its launch becoming the biggest overnight audience for a new scripted show in five years, some viewers haven't been impressed by the new series.

One shared on X: "I've had to turn Death Valley off due to my irrational hatred of it."

"TIm Spall is wasted on this," another said, while a third wrote: "Dear me, how bad is this? I'm crying over my licence fee."

Another slammed: "I can only think that Timothy Spall imuat getting paid an absolute fortune for appearing in this rubbish." [sic]

Someone else said: "This #deathvalley seems very panto. It's like they are trying to cram in over the top characters and jokes at every opportunity. Is it always like this? I've got 6 weeks to sit through this with my parents."

Others however rushed to share their delight that Timothy Spall had returned.

"Loved the first series of this and loving the second series so far," one wrote.

Another said: "I've been laughing out at it already tonight," as someone else wrote: "God love this show."

"It's a joy to have back," another wrote, as yet another fan hailed: "One of the best things on TV."

Ahead of the second series airing, Harry Potter legend Timothy addressed the reaction from the first season, sharing: "You never know how something will be received, so I was delighted with the enthusiastic and very positive response.

"This is one of the reasons why I do what I do, to make something you hope is going to entertain and give value for money, after all people pay for their TV Licence and you want to give them the best you possibly can. As I get older that becomes more and more important to me."

Death Valley is available to watch on BBC iPlayer.


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